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Despite Reading and Leeds festival running since 1999, each year enters a new crowd on the festival scene and with lineups becoming more and more inclusive, each year there are more Festival newbies than ever. If it’s your first time going to the Northern Festival, fear not, because we have created the Ultimate Guide for First Time Leeds Festival Goers.
Camping
Leeds makes it really easy to figure out where to camp, as they provide a map online each year, but also, the trick is to not over pack. The biggest struggle of festivals is hauling your bangs from the entrance to your chosen spot and then carrying it all back on the last day, so for your own sake, pack light. You definitely don’t need ‘just in case’ items because the stores within the festival tend to sell any camping essentials, clothes or even the people who are camping around you.
Depending on how much of a party animal you are will depend on where you camp, and as you enter, it will soon become clear if that site is the right one for you. Each campsite is color coordinated with bunting sectioning off the entire fields from blue, purple, red etc. If you want to get decent sleep I would not recommend camping under a fairground ride or next to a DJ set. Camp next to things that are easy to find and become landmarks when trying to find your tent, these are usually food trucks, walking paths, medical tents or flags that people often set up.
Now, the worst part about camping, and festivals in general has to be the toilets. You have to prepare yourself for the worst and set your expectations immediately that the toilets at Leeds Festival are disgusting and that includes the female portaloos. To conquer this would be to go very early in the mornings around 5am, as this is when they’ve just been cleaned and emptied so they’re usually the best. Or, even wait to use the ones in the arena as campsite toilets tend to be dirtier.
Now, the worst part about camping, and festivals in general has to be the toilets. You have to prepare yourself for the worst and set your expectations immediately that the toilets at Leeds Festival are disgusting and that includes the female portaloos. To conquer this would be to go very early in the mornings around 5am, as this is when they’ve just been cleaned and emptied so they’re usually the best. Or, even wait to use the ones in the arena as campsite toilets tend to be dirtier.
Packing
@officialrandl Wondering what to bring to #randl21 ? We got you! 🤝 Check out our festival essentials which can be found in and around the Arena! #festival #fypシ ♬ original sound – Reading & Leeds Festival
Most important items to take would include a bum bag, to carry your valuables with you at all times, eg. your mobile, money, keys or even essentials like tissue or hand sanitizer (you will need plenty!). For more of an idea on what to pack here’s a useful list the festival put together that you can follow.
What to wear?
The truthful answer is: whatever you like. Festivals are a place full of open-minded people and it’s a great chance to truly express yourself, whether that’s through wacky colorful outfits or a simple and comfortable look.
Practically, don’t wear any shoes you love or care about because the likelihood is they will get covered in either the dust from the paths or the mud, depending on the weather. Wellies are always recommended in severe weather conditions but aren’t the easiest or most comfortable to walk in so definitely take a pair if it’s given out rain, but some comfortable trainers will be your best friend. As for the nighttime, Leeds festival is a British festival after all so it can get pretty cold at night, make sure you take a jacket or hoodie of some kind, no matter how warm it might be in the daytime.
@asos Festival ‘fits ACTIVATED ⚡️💖🎶💅 @la🍒 #coachella #festival #festivaloutfits #ootd ♬ original sound – asos
Food and Drink
I remember a friend naively took £20 to Leeds Festival back in 2019 and was shocked to find out that would buy him 2 insufficient meals for the four days he was there. You will never struggle to find food you like at any festival, with food trucks from classic fish and chips to Greek pitas, pizzas, salads, pad Thai, you name it, but each meal usually costs on average £10. A lot of people decide to take dried foods to the festival that only require boiling water or can be eaten straight from the packet. Luckily enough, Leeds has its very own co-op shop every year, where you can buy snacks, drinks and toiletries so you don’t have to weigh your bag down or carry extra bags. The less you can take, the better!
The festival has multiple bars where you can order pints and other drinks between acts or during but my best advice would be to take a trolley full of alcohol and drink only at the camp so by the time you go into the arena you’ve had some drinks and spent less money. There’s no restrictions on how much alcohol you can take onto the campsites so go hard or go home. Alternatively, many people take flat pack drinks pouches and hide them within their underwear, bras or sections of their bags but please bear in mind, this can be confiscated from you at any point.
Reusable water bottles are your best friend, the site has waterpoints in every campsite and every corner of the main arena so utilize the free fresh water throughout the day and save your money as the water from the food trucks is often overpriced.
Overall, when going to your first festival, it’s best to go into it with an open mind. Don’t worry if you forget anything, or you packed the wrong clothes or you run out of beer, as long as you’ve got a tent and some money you’ll be set! You’re probably going to have some of the best few days of your life.
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